Kenya Power will connect 106,811 new customers in the Central Rift Region in the financial year 2014/15 through a partnership based program.
The company Managing Director, Ben Chumo, said the connection will go a long way to assist achieve its connectivity target of 1 million additional customers to the national grid representing 36 percent.
Speaking in Bondeni area of Nakuru during the launch of Global Partnership on Out-Put Based Aid (GPOPA), which is an informal settlement electrification program, Chumo said that residents in those areas will now be able to access power connection at an affordable rate of only Sh 1,160 per single connectivity unlike in other areas where customers pay up to Sh 35,000.
‘’This project in Nakuru is now the third in implementation after Kibera slums and Mombasa, and it is costing Kenya Power an approximate Sh 13 million with the main aim of enhancing lives of the residents by providing safe, legal and affordable power connections,’’ said Chumo.
He added that the slum electrification program is supported by World Bank and is tailored to subsidise the cost of electricity connections.
Other areas in Nakuru County to benefit from the program include Rhonda, Kaptembwo, Kasarani in Elburgon, Vumilia in Mai-Mahiu, Bondeni in Mau-Narok, Kasarani in Naivasha and Wiumiririe in Nyahururu County.
While appreciating the move the area member of County Assembly Stephen Kuria noted that accidents and safety issues emerging from illegal connections will now be a thing of the past in the densely populated area.